kayaking solo to replenish the mind. Why I like to kayak solo
My husband and I both enjoy kayaking. We venture out together frequently, discovering new lakes and marinas. But sometimes it’s nice to go solo where I don’t have to engage in conversations or keep up a pace. Kayaking solo is my escape and a way for me to just collect my thoughts.
We all need an outlet in life where we can regroup our thoughts and remove ourselves from the hustle and chaos of everyday life. A place where we can release the stress and just chill out. For me, it has to be away from home. It doesn’t work at home. I’ve tried but the temptations allure me to clean the house, do the laundry, clean the yard, wash the car, walk the dogs or the phone may ring. Or hey why don’t I browse the internet.
Today I knew I was going to be in Marina Del Rey and would be finished with my business by noon. To make my 150 miles round trip worth while, I thought it would be good to do some solo kayaking. it’s been a couple of months since I’ve had the chance to have some alone time and simply chill out. Feeling nervous about my book being published and the stress of writing a sequel, I figured it was time.
What kayak works for me?
When I kayak solo I need to have a kayak I can handle on my own. One that is lightweight and I can carry. One that fits in my car. I can’t, for the life of me figure out those tie-down straps, nor do I trust my knots to tie one onto the roof my car. Therefore it must fit in my car, so I don’t have to worry about tying it down or trying to raise it on to the roof of the car. The Potomac sit-on-top kayak works for me.
- It’s lightweight: Just 45lbs.
- It’s a sit-on-top model: I prefer this type over a sit-inside. Sitting inside a kayak is too confining for me
- It’s 10ft long: (Almost fits in my car). About 3 inches stick out.
It’s so easy to pick up and slide through the rear window of my car. Once in I place a towel over the tip of the kayak to protect the window and tie it with one simple knot
My solo kayaking trip
Today the water was the perfect temperature. Not too chilly. Feeling it between my toes and creep up around my ankles as I launched my kayak was exuberating and refreshing.
When I first begin to paddle, it’s at a good steady pace, not too vigorous and not too slow. I like the exercise and the workout. I try to keep this pace up for about 30 minutes, not really paying attention to my surroundings, (except for other boaters of course.) As I paddle, I enjoy feeling the pressures of everyday life roll off my body and drown in the waters below.
Gradually I begin to slow down my paddling pace, I let my heart rate return to normal and I begin to relax and take in the beauty of my surroundings. The crisp cool waters, the sounds of sails snapping in the breeze from sail boats close by, the squawk of seagulls flying above me and the magnificent shoreline of the marina.
How can this view not make you feel good!
Eventually, I stop paddling and just drift allowing the waters to carry me. I feel completely relaxed and rejuvenated and ready for whatever life throws at me. This is one way I escape the pressures of life. What works for you?
Click below for some of my writing tips
Other interesting links
Essay Editing check list by “On demand Instruction
Taking a writing break for self-care by “On demand Instruction”
I love kayaking! Its so much fun. I did it once out of town and its definitely relaxing.
It’s great for so many reasons. My other passion in life 🙂